Modesto Symphony Orchestra 2023/24 Season Brochure

hear what’s this season: •

O H JOY!

•

P O P S S E NSATI O NS!

•

and finally:

what’s in store for 2023-24?

Five fantastic Classics concerts, including iconic masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Mendelssohn, and Beethoven!

Three spectacular Pops concerts that'll bring you thrills & chills, including two live-to-film performances and the return of Broadway star, Ashley Brown!

INTR OD UC I NG MS O' S NEW M U S I C D I R ECTOR

Nicholas Hersh!

enjoy a season for everyone to

The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is entering its 93rd year of enriching our community through music. We strive to create a space that brings people together and creates memories to last a lifetime. A concert is a transformative and inspiring experience. It’s a journey that starts before you take your seat in the hall and TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO SAVE THIS SEASON SEE PAGE

10

stays with you long after the last note rings. Our concerts bring us together through the power of live music and we’re excited for you to join us and hear what’s next. »

Thank you to our 2023/24 Season Partners

& Family John & June Rogers GUEST ARTIST SPONSOR

Make a Sound Investment with the MSO!

Visit ModestoSymphony.org/support to learn more about how you can hear what's next in our community!

2

⟩

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

SAY H E L LO TO M S O' S N EW M U SI C D I R E CTOR

Nicholas Hersh!

The Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association is excited to announce that the Board of Directors named Nicholas Hersh as the organization’s next Music Director. As Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s ninth

music director, Hersh will lead our 93rd season. Hersh’s artistic leadership will bring innovative, captivating, and exciting ideas and programs into our community and his passion for music education will help guide our existing education programs to new heights.

“I am beyond thrilled that my first music directorship will be in such a vibrant, music-loving city as Modesto,” says MSOA Music Director Nicholas Hersh, “There was a certain electricity in the Gallo Center when the MSO musicians and I collaborated last year, shared not only onstage but with the audience as well; together we'll grow that energy, creating bespoke artistic experiences for the entire Modesto community and cementing the role of music education for all ages as a driver of social good.”

…together we’ll grow that energy, creating bespoke artistic experiences for the entire Modesto community and cementing the role of music education for all ages as a driver of social good."

During his tenure as Associate Conductor with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), he led the symphony in numerous concerts, directed Baltimore’s education and family programming, and created the BSO Pulse series, through which he brought together prominent indie bands and orchestral musicians in unique collaborations. Additionally, Hersh frequently works with major symphony orchestras including the National Symphony Orchestra, Houston, Colorado, and the Peabody Orchestra of John Hopkins University.

hear what's next for Nicholas & the MSO! ⟩ M O D E S T O S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

⟨

3

⟩ C L A S S I C S S E R I E S / NICHOLAS HERSH, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Tchaikovsky October 13 & 14, 2023 & Copland 7:30 PM Join us in welcoming our new Music Director, Nicholas Hersh!

In his debut concert, Hersh will open the evening with Mozart’s

N IC HO L AS HER S H, conductor

bustling and energetic Overture to The Marriage of Figaro.

F E AT U R I N G :

He will then be joined by pianist Alessio Bax for Tchaikovsky’s

AL ES S IO B AX, piano

virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 1. The evening will conclude with Copland’s Symphony No. 3. This symphony brings out the lyrical sounds of Americana that Copland is so known for and will flow into the finale which opens with the theme from his own triumphant Fanfare for the Common Man. This concert will be a celebration of music and the start of a new era for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

PROGRAM: M OZ ART: Overture to The Marriage of Figaro TC HAIKOVS KY: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor C O P L AN D : Symphony No. 3

Gershwin's

An American in Paris February 9 & 10, 2024 7:30 PM NICH OL AS H E RSH , conductor

In February, Hersh and the MSO will explore the sounds of the 1920s and ’30s in the U.S. and France. We’ll open the program with William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony which debuted to critical acclaim at Carnegie Hall in 1934 with Leopold Stokowski leading the Philadelphia Orchestra. Hersh then takes us to France to discover what an acutal American in Paris would have

PROGRAM:

heard in the 1920s with Lili Boulanger’s colorful and energetic

DAWSON : Negro Folk Symphony

will end with An American in Paris. This Gershwin favorite

D’un Matin de Printemps (Of a Spring Morning). The evening

BO UL AN GE R: D’un Matin de Printemps (Of a Spring Morning)

is a vivid musical postcard that puts us in the footsteps of an

G ERSH W I N : An American in Paris

movie-musical of the same name, starring Gene Kelly, that went

American traveler exploring the streets of Paris. Be transported to the City of Love with this Gershwin classic that inspired the on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Musical Score.

BECOME A CLASSICS SUBSCRIBER

& SAVE

20%!

TICKETS START AT $20 4

⟩

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

TICKETS $20/36/52/72/94 • SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTING AT $110 ⟨

Symphonic Soundtrack

March 15 & 16, 2024 7:30 PM

Experience the Symphony in a brand-new way! The Modesto Symphony Orchestra musicians are curating a concert just for you that will feature music they love and want to share with the community. This will be a fun, exciting, new format

N IC HO L AS HER S H, conductor PROGRAM: TO B E AN N O UN C ED

with no intermission and an afterparty where you to meet the orchestra!

Mendelssohn's

Violin Concerto

April 12 & 13, 2024 7:30 PM

NICH OL AS H E RSH , conductor

Hersh has put together a wonderfully exciting

F E AT U R I N G :

concert. This program features Louise

TAI MU RRAY, violin

Farrenc’s lyrical and spirited Symphony No.

PROGRAM: PIAZ ZOL L A: Tangazo FARRE N C : Symphony No. 3 in G minor BACH ( ar r . H e r sh) : “Little Fugue” in G minor MEND E L SSOH N : Violin Concerto in E minor, op. 64

and energetic program for our April Classics

3. Then we will explore J. S. Bach’s “Little Fugue” in G minor with an arrangement by Music Director Hersh himself. We’ll close out the evening with Mendelssohn’s uplifting and energetic Violin Concerto in E minor featuring Tai Murray. This concerto remains among the world’s most prominent and highly regarded violin concertos in history.

Beethoven's

Symphony No. 9 The MSO will close out its Classics Series with

May 10 & 11, 2024 7:30 PM

Ludwig van Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9.

N IC HO L AS HER S H, conductor

This symphony has reached beyond concert halls

F E AT U R I N G :

across the globe and become part of popular theme in the final movement. Featuring the MSO

M S O C HO R US Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director

Chorus and four spectacular vocal soloists, this

PROGRAM:

concert captures Beethoven’s vision of hope with

BE ETHOVEN : Symphony No. 9 in D minor

culture, most notably with the “Ode to Joy”

power, and authenticity.

M O D E S T O S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

⟨

5

⟩ P O P S S E R I E S / RYAN MURRAY, PRINCIPAL POPS CONDUCTOR

in Concert Live to Film!

November 3, 2023 7:30 PM

Enjoy Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert

November 4, 2023 2 PM

live to the film by your Modesto Symphony Orchestra. Follow

RYAN M U RRAY, conductor

shake up the holidays. “A stunningly original, visual

approx. runtime: 80 minutes

delightful work,” this is one live performance you’ll

as Disney’s enduring animated classic film plays on the big screen accompanied by Danny Elfman’s enigmatic score performed Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s resident Pumpkin King, through his adventure to Christmas Town as he aims to

have to see (and hear) to believe.

PRESENTATION LISCENSED BY

2023/24 SEASON PARTNER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DISNEY.

Holiday Pops!

December 1, 2023 7:30 PM

December 2, 2023 2 PM

RYAN M U RRAY, conductor

Get in the holiday spirit with the Modesto

F E AT U R I N G :

Symphony and the MSO Chorus! This year, we’ve

ASHL E Y B ROW N , Broadway star

to help make this season’s Holiday Pops! practically

MSO C H ORU S Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director 6

⟩

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

invited Broadway’s Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) perfect in every way.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

TICKETS $20/36/52/72/94 • SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTING AT $66 ⟨

BECOME A POPS SUBSCRIBER

& SAVE

15%! © 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert May 31, 2024 7:30 PM

June 1, 2024 2 PM

RYA N M U R R AY, conductor

In the climactic sixth episode of the

approx. runtime: 135 minutes

the second Death Star to unleash the

PRESENTATION LISCENSED BY

Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack

© 1983 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. PRESENTATION LICENSED BY DISNEY CONCERTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM CORP, LUCASFILM AND WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as your Modesto Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live along with the full feature film.

TICKETS START AT

20

$

2023/24 SEASON PARTNER

M O D E S T O S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

⟨

7

⟩ COMMUNITY CONCERTS

Holiday Candlelight Concert

December 19, 2023, 8 pm Our Lady of Fatima Church DANI E L R. AF ON SO J R . , conductor

The Modesto Symphony’s Holiday

F E AT U R I N G :

way to slow down and enjoy the

MSO C H ORU S Daniel R. Afonso Jr., chorus director

holiday season in a new location, the beautiful Our Lady of Fatima

OPUS H AN DB E L L ENSE M B L E Richard Colla, Opus Handbell Ensemble director

traditional Christmas hymns and

*17-years & younger

Chorus, and the Opus Handbell Ensemble.

comprised singers of all ages and experience from around the region. Under the skillful and inspiring direction of Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr., the Chorus engages in weekly rehearsals throughout the season in preparation for various performances with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra.

Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra Fostering the Next Generation of Fine-Tuned Talent: Founded in 1976, the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) serves over 100 young musicians and their families from more than 40 public and private schools in the Central Valley. As a program within the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association, members also have the invaluable experience of interacting with our professional musicians, conductors, and visiting guest artists through workshops, side-by-side performances, and clinics.

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

General Seating: Adult $39, Youth* $10

carols performed by the MSO, MSO

In Perfect Harmony: Formed in 2001, the MSO Chorus is

⟩

VIP Seating: Adult $59, Youth* $20

Church. Hear your favorite

Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus

8

TICKETS

Candlelight Concert is the perfect

Upcoming Performances: Holiday Pops!: December 1, 2023, 7:30 pm December 2, 2023, 2pm Gallo Center for the Arts Holiday Candlelight Concert: December 19, 2023, 8 pm Our Lady of Fatima Church Beethoven's Symphony No. 9: May 10 & 11, 2024, 7:30 pm Gallo Center for the Arts

Upcoming Performances: MSYO Season Opening Concert: November 4, 2023, 7:30 pm Gallo Center for the Arts MSYO Spring Concert: February 10, 2024, 2 pm Gallo Center for the Arts MSYO Season Finale Concert: May 11, 2024, 2 pm Gallo Center for the Arts

enjoy

SUBSCRIPTION BENEFITS ⟨

a season full of music!

⟩ Subscriber Benefits Become a subscriber and you’ll enjoy these special perks along with the flexibility of choosing which package fits you best!

B IG SAVI NGS !

Subscribers save up to $184 off of single ticket prices.

E A RLY ACCE S S Be the first in line to purchase next season’s concert tickets, including Picnic at the Pops! and Holiday Candlelight Concert.

TIC K E T I NS U RANC E Lost ticket, changing nights, switching seats? No problem! Exchange your tickets for any MSO concert at the Gallo Center up to 24 hours prior to the performance.

SAVE ON E X TRA SING L E T IC KETS Treat your friends and family to up to 25% off additional tickets to any MSO performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

For full subscriber benefits visit ModestoSymphony.org/subscribe.

PACKAGES START AT

66!

$

VISIT MODESTOSYMPHONY.ORG TO START SAVING TODAY!

M O D E S T O S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

⟨

9

⟩ SEATING & PRICING

Subscribe & Save! ⟩ Choose your package: We offer five different package options to best suit your schedule: Option 1: VIP Series

Subscribe, keep your seats, & save up to

Our VIP package includes all of the concerts below: Option 2: Classics Series

Option 3: Pops Series

Tchaikovsky & Copland October 13 & 14, 2023

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live to Film November 3 & 4, 2023

Gershwin's An American in Paris February 9 & 10, 2024 Symphonic Soundtrack March 15 & 16, 2024 Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto April 12 & 13, 2024 Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 May 10 & 11, 2024

25% off

single ticket prices!

View all of our Subscriber Benefits at modestosymphony.org/ subscribe

Holiday Pops!

December 1 & 2, 2023 Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert May 31 & June 1, 2024

Option 4 & 5: Compose Your Own 3 or 4 Our most flexible package! Create your own subscription from any 3 or 4 of the Classics and Pops Series concerts to fit your lifestyle.

⟩ Choose your performance time: Friday (Evenings at 7:30 pm) or Saturday (Classics: 7:30 pm; Pops: 2 pm) VIP Subscribers also have the option of attending Friday Classics & Saturday Pops or Saturday Classics & Friday Pops. Compose Your Own Subscribers can choose any date that best fits their schedule.

⟩ Choose your seating zone:

STAGE

Your zone determines the price of your subscription seat.

3

PRICE / seat

1

$94

2

10

⟩

$72

3

$52

4

$36

5

$20

S U B S C R I B E T O D AY

1 3

PA RTE RRE B OX E S

5

4

Single Ticket Price: ZONE

O RC HE S TR A

PAR TE RRE B OX E S

2

5 4

B OX E S

1

B OX E S

2

2

2

BALCONY B OXE S

1 3 BA LCO NY B OX E S

PA RTE RRE

3

2

3

2

4

4 G R A N D TI E R BA LCO NY

4 3

4 5

3

4 5

Mary Stuart Rogers Theater Gallo Center for the Arts

3

SEATING & PRICING ⟨

Subscription Package Options: BOXES ZONE 1

MAIN FLOOR & BALCONY ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

ZONE 5

V IP S E R I E S S UBSC RIPT IO N & save 25% off single ticket prices All 5 Classics & 3 Pops Concerts / Fridays & Saturdays

$584

$448

$328

$232

$176

CL AS S I CS S E RIES SUBSC RIPT ION & save 20% off single ticket prices All 5 Classics Concerts / Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm

$385

$300

$220

$155

$110

P O PS S E R I E S SUBSC RIPT IO N & save 15% off single ticket prices All 3 Pops Concerts / Fridays at 7:30pm & Saturdays at 2pm

$246

$189

$138

$99

$66

CO MPOS E YO UR OWN 4 & save 15% off single ticket prices Create your own series from any 4 of the Classics & Pops series concerts

$328

$252

$184

$132

$88

CO MPOS E YO UR OWN 3 & save 10% off single ticket prices Create your own series from any 3 of the Classics & Pops series concerts

$261

$201

$147

$102

$66

⟩ Order your subscription: IN - PE R S ON Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office 1000 I Street Modesto, CA 95354

BY PHO NE 209.338.2100

ON L IN E ModestoSymphony.org/subscribe

All Subscription Package prices include $2/ticket Gallo Center for the Arts facility fee. All dates, program, pricing, and artists in this brochure subject to change. E&OE

M O D E S T O S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

⟨

11

RESIDENT COMPANY OF

Subscribe & save Call 209.338.2100

hear what’s

209.523.4156 | tickets@modestosymphony.org modestosymphony.org | @ModestoSymphony

911 Thirteenth Street Modesto, CA 95354